Harshvardhan Mishra
Introduction: Who Was Goswami Tulsidas?
Goswami Tulsidas, one of the most revered saints and poets in Indian spiritual history, was born in 1497 CE (Samvat 1554) in Rajapur, Uttar Pradesh. The 528th birth anniversary of this great devotee of Lord Rama will be celebrated on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Tulsidas is best known for composing the Ramcharitmanas, a devotional retelling of Valmiki’s Ramayana in Awadhi, which brought the divine narrative of Rama closer to the common man.
Date and Tithi of Tulsidas Jayanti 2025
- Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
- Tithi: Shravana Shukla Saptami (Seventh Day of the waxing moon in the month of Shravana, according to the Hindu calendar)
Early Life and Birth Story of Tulsidas
Tulsidas was born to Atmaram Dubey and Hulsi Devi, Brahmins of the Sarayuparin lineage. According to legend, he was born with all 32 teeth, and instead of crying at birth, he uttered “Ram.” This led to his being called Rambola, meaning “one who uttered Rama’s name.”
Sadly, his parents abandoned him shortly after birth due to astrological predictions. He was raised by Saint Narharidas, a devout Vaishnava who introduced him to Rama bhakti (devotion).
Literary Contributions of Tulsidas
Tulsidas is credited with more than a dozen works, but his most significant and widely read is:
1. Ramcharitmanas
- Written in Awadhi dialect
- Retells the story of Lord Rama for the common masses
- Recited across households and temples in India
- It reflects Bhakti Yoga, devotion, and dharma
2. Other Major Works
| Work | Language | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Vinay Patrika | Braj | Prayers and hymns to Rama |
| Hanuman Chalisa | Awadhi | 40-verse praise of Hanuman |
| Dohavali | Awadhi | Couplets of moral wisdom |
| Kavitavali | Awadhi | Devotional poems |
| Gitavali | Awadhi | Songs of Lord Rama’s life |
🙏 Philosophy and Bhakti of Tulsidas
Tulsidas was a Rama Bhakta saint in the Bhakti Movement, which emphasized personal devotion over rituals. He believed that chanting the name of Rama was the highest spiritual practice. Unlike other saints of the time who were critical of idol worship or temples, Tulsidas harmonized scripture, devotion, and worship into a single, accessible path.
His ideology bridged the gap between Sanskrit elitism and local vernacular devotional practices, making divine knowledge approachable for all.
🌸 Celebrations on Tulsidas Jayanti
Tulsidas Jayanti is commemorated across India, especially in:
- Varanasi, where he spent much of his life
- Chitrakoot, a site closely linked to Rama’s exile
- Rajapur, his birthplace
Key Rituals and Events:
- Recitation of Ramcharitmanas
- Chanting of Hanuman Chalisa
- Kirtans and Bhajan programs
- Speeches on his life and teachings
- Distribution of prasad and langars
- Rama Leela performances
Temples like Tulsi Manas Mandir in Varanasi conduct grand ceremonies, devotional music, and readings of his texts.
🏛️ Legacy of Tulsidas in Modern India
Tulsidas’s influence transcends generations. His work has:
- Shaped Indian cultural and religious thought
- Enriched Indian classical music and drama
- Been central to Rama worship traditions
- Inspired freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda
He is seen as a social reformer, who subtly challenged caste restrictions by writing in Awadhi instead of Sanskrit and making spiritual teachings available to all.
✍️ Tulsidas Quotes and Teachings
Here are some timeless messages from the saint:
- “Bhavani Shankarau vande shraddha vishwas roopinoh”
– Worship Shiva and Shakti as forms of faith and devotion. - “Tulsi bharose Ram ke, nirbhay ho ke soye.”
– Tulsi says, if you rely on Lord Rama, you can sleep without fear. - “Parhit saris dharma nahin bhai, par peeda sam nahi adhmai.”
– There is no religion like doing good to others; and no sin like hurting them.
🪔 Conclusion: Eternal Relevance of Tulsidas
The 528th birth anniversary of Tulsidas is not just a celebration of a historical figure—it is a reaffirmation of India’s devotional and literary heritage. His message of unwavering devotion, ethical living, and universal compassion continues to inspire millions even today.
On Tulsidas Jayanti 2025, let us take a moment to reflect on his teachings, read his works, and reignite our connection to spiritual values rooted in dharma and devotion.
